Bangkok: The Cabinet is making significant strides in addressing critical issues in the five southern border provinces by implementing a series of urgent projects worth 1,269 million baht. The focus is on flood relief, road repairs, hospital construction, and business support in the regions of Songkhla, Satun, Yala, Narathiwat, and Pattani.

According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the Cabinet acknowledged the outcomes of a workshop proposed by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). The workshop highlighted the need for immediate action on 44 projects, which have been incorporated into the annual operational plans with the necessary budget allocations.

The Cabinet is also considering policy proposals from the regions, amounting to 59 projects with a budget of 62,336.44 million baht. Furthermore, the Cabinet approved quick-win measures and long-term strategies in economic, social, security, and disaster relief areas.

In the economic domain, efforts include improving loan conditions, streamlining immigration procedures, developing online systems, and establishing a one-stop service for businesses. Socially, plans involve designing Hat Yai's second hospital and formalizing labor agreements with Malaysia. Security measures include enhancing community volunteers and installing comprehensive CCTV coverage. For disaster relief, the focus is on drainage improvements and road restorations.

Ms. Ratchada emphasized the Cabinet's directive for agencies to expedite actions, with specific projects ready for central budget allocation from the emergency fund. These projects include drainage improvements in Hat Yai, disaster mitigation in Kuan Lang, and constructing temporary shelters in Pattani, totaling 67 million baht.

Additional projects involve the Ministry of Transport's dredging plans for Songkhla and Pattani ports, and the Ministry of Public Health's expedited development of Hat Yai's second hospital. The Highways Department also has a rehabilitation plan for roads affected by natural disasters, set to begin in 2025 with a budget of 835.8 million baht.